North Forest Lights

Advance tickets are highly recommended*

Adults: $22, Adult members: $15
Youth 7-18: $10, Youth members 7 -18: $7
Kids 6 and under: FREE

MEMBERS: Log in to see discount options
Not a member? Join today!

North Forest Lights Returns with an Extended Season and Enhanced Safety Measures

Enjoy an enchanted nighttime walk through the woods featuring dynamic, nature-inspired lighting elements, and immersive soundscapes. Five distinct installations will bring the soul of the forest to life with light, sound, and sensory effects in a captivating, family-friendly experience. North Forest Lights will be open in the evening hours after sunset.

New Safety Measures:

• For your safety and per CDC guidelines, staff and visitors ages 10 and older are required to wear face coverings except when eating or drinking. Masks are available upon entry for those who do not have one.
• North Forest Lights will be operating at a limited capacity to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Sanitation stations, touchless ticket scanning for purchases, and new paths and queuing systems will further support social distancing.
• Face coverings must be worn when speaking into The Whispering Tree microphone.
• New ticket booth location allows for more spacing when entering North Forest Lights, and visitors are encouraged to stay in their cars prior to start time and avoid gathering.

Five installations that come to life with light, sound, and special effects:

• Crystal Grove – See the glowing language of young saplings, as they seem to communicate through shimmering crystal lights.
• Forest Frequencies – Channel the natural and human past as light and music connect you with the wavelengths of the Arkansas woods.
• The Hearth – Gather around a bonfire-like sculpture to immerse yourself in the warm glow and beating heart of nature.
• Whispering Tree – Communicate with a magnificent tree to learn about the color of your own voice.
• Memory of Water – Surround yourself in light and sound, as a simulated stream brings water back to this dry creek bed.

The forest is a natural setting with changing elevations, please watch your step.

Crystal Bridges partnered with Montreal-based multimedia and entertainment studio Moment Factory to bring this concept to life. In 2020, Moment Factory won the mondo*dr “Americas Award” in the Parks & Attractions category for their work on North Forest Lights.

Walking through the Ozark woods, each encounter translates nature’s secret music and hidden communication into a symphony of light and sound. North Forest Lights invites people to reconnect with nature and art while making everyone feel part of it.

General Information

• Is this a Christmas / holiday light show?
  No, this is not a holiday light show, but rather a group of installations using light and music to create unique experiences that help us connect with nature. It’s a great way to spend the holiday with families and friends.
• What are your opening hours?
  North Forest Lights is open in the evening hours after sunset. Hours will vary based on when twilight occurs. Scroll up to click on the day you’d like to attend, then check the available time blocks for that day. Please note that North Forest Lights is often open after the museum is closed.
• How long does it last?
  Plan on at least 1 hour to see and enjoy the experiences, although you may spend more or less time depending on your preferences.
• Can I take photos?
  Yes, taking photos and videos is encouraged, however, flash photography is prohibited. Flashes will interfere with light experiences.
• How much time can I spend visiting?
  You may stay until North Forest Lights closes.
• How should I dress?
  Comfortable attire and dress for the seasonal weather temperature. Check the weather forecast in advance of your experience date and time. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
• How can I check on cancellations due to inclement weather?
  Please call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations: (479) 657-2488.
• Who can visit the experience? Is it suggested for children and seniors?
  The experience is designed for all ages. If you have accessibility needs in your party, please see the Accessibility section of this FAQ for more information.
• Are there restrooms?
  Yes, restrooms will be located in the parking lot and in the Village area. The restrooms in both locations are wheelchair accessible.
• Will merchandise be available for purchase?
  Yes. Branded merchandise for North Forest Lights will be available for purchase in the Village area as well as a satellite location once you enter the North Forest.
• Why is it not possible to visit the experience during the day?
  North Forest Lights is a nighttime lighting experience. All the installations use illuminated light effects, which cannot be seen during the day.
• Will the North Forest Trail be open during the day for guests to walk on?
  Yes, the North Forest Trail will be open for guests during the day, and will close each day at 4 p.m.
• Are pets allowed if they are on a leash?
  Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and keep them under control at all times.

Tickets

• Why should I purchase my ticket ahead of time?
  Tickets can be purchased on-site, but your preferred times may be full. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance for you to participate at your desired time. Walk-up tickets are available if capacity allows and an additional $5 per ticket. Adult member tickets are limited to 2 tickets per member purchase.
• There is a time on my ticket. What does it mean?
  You may arrive at the North Forest Lights entrance any time during the 15-minute time slot on your ticket. You may stay until the experience closes.
• Are my tickets refundable?
  All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. The experience will be held rain or shine if the weather poses no threat to public safety. If the experience is canceled due to unsafe weather, then tickets will be refunded.
• Where can I buy a ticket?
  Purchase tickets online, through the call center at (479) 657-2335, or at the outdoor Guest Services station when you arrive at North Forest Lights.
• Can I visit the experience many times with the same ticket?
  Your ticket is valid for one visit to the experience only.
• Do you have group rates?
  Specially priced $18 group tour tickets are available for advance ticket purchases for groups of 10 or more adults. Call to reserve your tickets now at (479) 657-2335.
• Can the exhibition coupons given to school tour groups be used to get free entry for this experience?
  No, coupons given to school tour groups do not apply to North Forest Lights.

Food

• Can we eat there?
  Yes! The Village food court area will offer snacks and warm beverages. A satellite drink and snack location is also available in the North Forest as you make your way to the entrance of the experience. You may also be interested in purchasing a culinary basket to enhance your experience! Culinary baskets can be purchased online when you buy your tickets and must be purchased 24 hours in advance of your ticket departure time.
• Can we bring snacks or drinks into North Forest Lights?
  No outside food and drinks will be allowed inside. Please enjoy the seasonal snacks and drinks available at the Village inside North Forest Lights.

Accessibility

• Is it accessible to all?
  Yes. The trails created for this experience are wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Wheelchairs will be available for guests to check out at the North Forest Lights entrance, and a mobility shuttle will be offered to transport folks with accessibility needs by request between the ticketing area and the entrance of North Forest Lights. Ask Guest Services staff about requesting this shuttle at either of these locations.
• Is there a lot of walking involved?
  The full experience is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of walking. The forest is a natural setting with changing elevations, so please watch your step. Some benches and seating are provided along the trails.
• Are strollers and wagons allowed for children?
  Yes, we encourage you to plan for about 1.5 miles of walking. Depending on the age and abilities of your group, you may choose to bring strollers or wagons.

Created and produced by Moment Factory